What does it mean when your MCH level is low?

A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat in order to produce hemoglobin.

What does mean corpuscular volume tell you?

Meaning. MCV is a number that describes the average size of red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. Thus, a high MCV would mean that the red blood cells are larger than average. Conversely, a low MCV would mean they are smaller than average. 1.

What causes elevated MCV levels?

The common causes of macrocytic anemia (increased MCV) are as follows: Folate deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Liver disease.

What if MCV is low?

The MCV will be lower than normal when red blood cells are too small. This condition is called microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia may be caused by: iron deficiency, which can be caused by poor dietary intake of iron, menstrual bleeding, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

How do you increase mean corpuscular volume?

Can low MCHC levels be treated?

  1. Increase iron in your diet.
  2. Take iron supplements.
  3. Get more vitamin B6, which is necessary for proper absorption of iron.
  4. Add more fiber to your diet, which can help improve the intestinal absorption of iron.

What does a low MCV mean?

Low MCV. The MCV will be lower than normal when red blood cells are too small. This condition is called microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia may be caused by: iron deficiency, which can be caused by poor dietary intake of iron, menstrual bleeding, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

What are the symptoms of a high MCV?

A higher MCV value indicates that the red blood cells are larger than the average size….The physician may order a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test if you exhibit these symptoms of a blood disorder:

  • Fatigue.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Pale skin.

What is high mean corpuscular?

If someone has a high MCV level, their red blood cells are larger than usual, and they have macrocytic anemia. Macrocytosis occurs in people with an MCV level higher than 100 fl . Megaloblastic anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia.

What can cause high MCH levels?

High MCH value can often be caused by anemia due to a deficiency of B vitamins, particularly B-12 and folate . Both of these vitamins are required by your body in order to make red blood cells.

What causes high MCV level?

There are many possible reasons why the MCV level can be too high. Cirrhosis (a type of disease that destroys the liver) can cause high MCV levels. MCV level is alcohol abuse. Hypothyroidism can cause the MCV level to be too high.

What causes abnormal mean corpuscular volume (MCV)?

If the mean corpuscular blood cell volume is too high, then it could be a symptom of a vitamin B deficiency, excess alcohol consumption, problems with your liver function, or an underactive thyroid. Certain medications can also cause high MCV levels.

The MCV becomes elevated if there is a problem with red blood cells dividing when they are being produced in the bone marrow. Common causes of elevated MCV include alcohol use, low levels of Vitamin B12 or folate. MCH measures the amount of hemoglobin in the average red blood cell.